The pressure is mounting as the 19th April rapidly approaches !!

I am planning the Swindon Mindful Employer Conference 2010 which takes place at the Swindon Marriott. A lot of people are involved from local business and the media I like to get things about right ! But what I like best about these events is the fact that this is so community orientated. No big budgets - just a lot of goodwill and generosity from local people and organisations. This is testament to the growing importance of mental health and its impact on individuals,families, communities and employers. People are realising that something has to change !

We have managed to get some great speakers for this event. Dame Carol Black - National Director for Health and Work - who is heavily influencing the political agenda in this country on well-being at work, will give the keynote speech. She is responsible for dumping GP sick notes and introducing Fit Notes instead. It is a radical change for employees and employers alike.

Louise Aston from Business in the Community will highlight Emotional Resilience and branding expert Phil Parr considers Reputations and the Inside-Out Brand.

Add in the return of Jonathan Naess of Stand to Reason and the remarkably talented Lynne Copp - back by very popular demand - this adds up to a great conference. Joining the above will be Dr Liz Miller who chats about the stigma of mental illness - and how she struggled to overcome serious obstacles to become a GP and expert on occupational health. Her appearance with Stephen Fry on TVs The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive propelled her to national fame. Add to this the superb Lynne Copp - back by very popular demand - and we have quite a show !

Employers need to book soon - places are disappearing faster than the polar ice caps ! A HUGE thank you to NHS Swindon, Swindon Marriott, Beckie Hughes, AudioMSG team and a load of wonderful people for their support and encouragement !